Reba McEntire is acutely aware of the scope of the tragedy and the depths of the suffering. 1991 was a watershed year in history because it saw the unfathomable tragedy of the country music superstar. Sadly, her dependable tour manager and seven adored band members perished in an aircraft accident while she was performing.
After Reba McEntire and her band’s mesmerizing performance at a prestigious event in San Diego on March 16, 1991, the tragic incident took place.
It was planned for the band members to fly from Brown Field Municipal Airport to Fort Wayne, Indiana, for their upcoming performance.
As fate would have it, Reba, her manager and ex-husband Narvel Blackstock, and her stylist Sandi Spika were left behind in San Diego for the night as the band and tour manager boarded the first plane.
In a poignant 2012 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Reba McEntire mustered the courage to explain what transpired. Without a hitch, the second aircraft took off and made it to its destination without incident.
Sadly, the first plane carrying the people Reba held dear crashed only ten miles east of the airport, having a devastating impact on those who were left behind.
Reba somberly explained to Oprah that “everyone in the plane died when the wing of the plane struck a boulder on the edge of Otay Mountain. Narvel went to our pilot and informed him of the situation as soon as we received the news.
In the wee hours of the morning, Narvel went back to the hotel room where Reba was waiting for news. The tragedy dominated the conversation as Reba sought explanations. Narvel reported that one of the aircraft had crashed.
Reba inquired about their friends and experienced a glimmer of hope as she did so. When Narvel’s response dashed her hopes, she was disappointed. “Are they okay?” she asked. They were both enveloped in uncertainty after he said, “I don’t think so.”.
They were enthralled by Reba as she revealed their curiosity to discover all the details of the tragedy that had befallen their loved ones. Narvel walked from room to room while huddling a phone in his hand in search of answers, she said, her voice trembling with genuine emotion. “Even after 20 years, the pain still persists,” she said in regret. But I can see that scenario. In excruciating pain, Narvel was pacing incessantly.
Vince Gill, Dolly Parton, and other close friends provided Reba McEntire with unwavering support during this difficult time. These generous people allowed their bands to complete the tour in the wake of the tragedy. However, Reba graciously declined their kind offers.
Rather, she began a personal recovery process and poured her heart and soul into her subsequent album, “For My Broken Heart.”. The album was a heartfelt tribute to the bandmates she had lost, expressing her unwavering love and honoring their memory.
It’s interesting to note that “For My Broken Heart” achieved great success, debuting at No. Selling an astounding four million copies, the album debuted at No. 1 on the prestigious Billboard Top Country Albums chart.
On the somber anniversary of the tragic event each year, Reba McEntire honors those who passed away. To ensure that their memory endures, she uses social media. When the crash’s anniversary came around in 2014, she made a moving memorial for her massive Instagram following.
Then, in 2016, on the depressing 25th anniversary of the tragedy, Reba embarked on a tragic remembrance journey to San Diego, a city that would always hold a special place in her heart. She graciously provided her devoted followers with a window into her recovery by sharing this historic journey with them via various social media platforms.
In a touching letter she wrote, Reba noted: “Today marks the 25th anniversary of the plane crash. In November, I flew to the scene of the tragic collision after arriving back in San Diego. I couldn’t help but feel that those who have passed on are aware of how much we miss them. I am sending out a flood of condolences and prayers to all the friends and families impacted by this tragedy. “.
